Page 150 of Even Ground
“Pania?” His voice falters as if he’s done something wrong. “If you don’t like it, we can find something else. I just thought the house was perfect, and it’s so close to Josh and Delaney. If I’m away filming, you can just walk across the road to see her.”
I blink rapidly, unable to hold my emotions in. “I love it.”
His smile makes me love him even more. It reaches from his lips to his eyes, and he takes my hands in his and squeezes them. “Really?”
“I love the house, and I love how thoughtful you are about the location.” I drop my voice. “And if Bethany looks at you like that again, I’ll cut out her eyes.”
Reece laughs in my ear. “I love you.”
“I love you too. And I love this house. I’ll never forgive you if you don’t buy it.” I turn in his arms. “That’s if you love it too?”
“I want a house that we can call a home one day. One that we can settle down and grow old in. This place suits me just fine.” It’s times like this I especially love that drawl of his. It makes his words even more swoon-worthy.
“As long as you’re happy with it, then yes.”
The look of love in his eyes is enough to make my heart pitter-patter. “I’ll make an offer. I like the idea of being so close to our friends too. Especially if we have our own kids later on.”
I don’t say anything more—I can’t. Instead, I cup his face in my hands and press a long kiss to his lips.
The click of Bethany’s heels makes me turn around.
“Sorry to ask this. I couldn’t help but overhear some of your conversation earlier. It might sound insane, but are you Pania Wilson? The lady who designed Delaney Carter’s wedding dress?”
My stomach falls to the floor. “Yes?” I know my voice is shaky, but in all the times we’ve ever been anywhere, it’s been Reece that people have fawned over. No one ever really sees me.
She smiles. “Oh my. It was to die for. I’m getting married in a few months, and I was wondering if you’re available.”
Reece steps in while I’m metaphorically picking my jaw up from the floor. “I’m sure Pania would consider it. She’s going back home to New Zealand shortly, but if you send me through the details, we can take a look at what you need.”
“That sounds good.”
“I’ve caught you by surprise, haven’t I? I tried to find out if you had a store or a design studio but came up with nothing. You’re living in New Zealand?” she asks.
I nod. “I live there. I’m just here to spend time with Reece and Delaney.”
“Well, I loved the gown you made her for the Oscars. She looked simply gorgeous. I can’t imagine that kind of thing comes cheap.”
My mouth is so dry.
“It doesn’t, but I’m sure it’s fair considering the work Pania puts into her designs.” Once again, Reece comes to my rescue. He might just have earned himself a blowjob tonight.
Bethany’s eyes widen. “Oh, I’m sure. I’ll get that email together and send it to you.”
“Sounds great.” He beams.
“It was so nice meeting you both.”
“You too.” I smile. My head is spinning over what just happened. It’s so random, and so wonderful.
Bethany gets into her car, turns, and heads down the driveway and out onto the road. Reece and I just stand there, leaning against his car.
“Did that just happen?” I ask.
“You’re famous.” Reece nudges my arm.
“Stop it.” I laugh.
“I’m proud of you.” He grins. “I think we’re about to buy a house.”